Mike Wolanin | The Republic Snow covers the ground and vehicles on Caldwell Place in Columbus, Ind., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from noon today until 7 p.m. Sunday, predicting heavy snow, between 7 to 10 inches, will arrive in central Indiana, including Bartholomew County.
The warning is in effect for portions of central, east central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Indiana.
The heaviest snow will fall late Saturday night through early Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Bartholomew County Emergency Management said hazardous travel conditions likely, including reduced visibility and snow-covered roads.
A cold weather advisory is also in effect until 10 a.m. today, with predictions of very cold wind chills across central Indiana.
Motorists are advised to check road conditions with the INDOT Trafficwise Map at https://511in.org. Statewide travel advisories may be checked at https://www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/.
The National Weather Service said very cold weather will be expected through next week with potentially dangerous wind chills at times.
The Indiana Department of Transportation said it will have all available plows and drivers out on state-maintained roads (state highways, interstates and U.S. routes). More than 940 plow trucks and more than 1,600 plow operators will be deployed over the weekend, with additional winter operations personnel providing support. Crews will remain active for the duration of the event and afterward to continue cleanup efforts.
It takes an average of two-to-three hours for crews to complete a full snow route. During heavy snowfall rates, roadways will become snow-covered between plow passes, INDOT said. Extreme temperatures will hinder the effectiveness of salt so plowing will be INDOT’s main course of action during this winter event. Drivers will treat as conditions allow, and additives may be used to increase the effectiveness of salt.
Motorists are encouraged to keep these tips in mind over the course of this winter event:
- Avoid travel during and immediately after winter weather if possible
- Share travel plans with others, including route and estimated time of arrival
- Have an emergency car kit that includes, at a minimum, water, snacks, blankets, extra clothing, phone charger, a small shovel and a flashlight
- Clear snow from all over the vehicle, not just the windows
- Consider using fuel treatments to prevent fuel lines from freezing due to extreme temperatures
- Utilize main routes where help may be more readily available if needed
- Be alert for flashing lights and always give snow plows, first responders and tow companies extra space to work
- Drive to the conditions: leave early, slow down, and increase following and stopping distances
- Do not overestimate your driving skills or the capability of your vehicle to handle the snow
Columbus City Utilities recommends that its customers take precautions to prevent their home water lines becoming frozen, as temperatures are forecast to drop into the single digits over the weekend.
Leaving no more than a pencil lead thickness of water running in the faucet furthest from the water source, or next to an outside wall can prevent pipes from freezing. Moving water is much less likely to freeze than water standing in a pipe.
Customers are advised to leave snow covering the meter pit, as snow cover acts as an insulating barrier and can help prevent the meter from freezing.
It is against local code for anyone but utility personnel to work in meter pits and vaults, so customers should not open their pit or tamper with the valve inside. Without the proper tools, the valves can be fragile and any damage can be charged back to the customer.
Opening vanity and cabinet doors to expose pipes to the warmer inside temperatures can prevent freezing, as well as making sure all crawl space openings are closed or have an insulated opening. Use wrap insulation on pipes in unheated areas if possible.
If your pipes do freeze, call Columbus City Utilities at 812-372-8861 first. If the problem is in the meter pit, it will be thawed to restore service. If the problem is beyond the meter in the plumbing, it will be identified and you will then need to contact a plumber.
